Annapurna Massif (Round Annapurna) Trek

Annapurna Massif (Round Annapurna) Trek

Nepal

Since its opening in 1977, the Annapurna Circuit has been renowned as one of the world’s greatest trekking destinations for both cultural diversity and scenic grandeur. Despite being fragmented by roads, this trek still lives up to its reputation with many side trips and alternate routes available, and can be tailored to fit your personal needs! The traditional route circumnavigates the Annapurna massif, home of the world’s 10th tallest peak, and traces two great Nepali river valleys, the Marsyangdi and the Kali Gandaki. The environmental variation along the trek is unrivaled as you ascend from merely 800m in the jungles and Rhododendron forests of the lower Marsyangdi valley to over 5,400m at the snow covered Throng La pass, then down into the arid Mustang Region in the rain-shadow of the Himalayas. Abundant wildlife, along with many religious and cultural sites and a hot spring are other highlights of this classic trek!

Tour Package Overview

A 5 hour bus ride takes us to the starting point of the trek: Besisahar (900 m), the capital of Lamjung District. Two and a half hrs gentle walk will take us to Ngadi, to avoid the crowded town of Besisahar. Also, it is a nice walk and a better way to experience village life in Nyadi from the first day. There are great mountain views!

The trail slowly rises uphill to Jajat. The trail then drops almost to the riverbed and then rises up to Chamje. After crossing one more suspension bridge, the trail rises up to Tal (tal means lake in Nepali). The village was once a lake and therefore it is called Tal (1700 m). It is Buddhist and it is the first village in the Manang district.

Tal is a paradise along the Marsyandi River and we can see beautiful waterfalls from the hotel. A Buddhist shrine called a chorten is located in front of the waterfall and according to the villagers the shrine protects the villages from natural disasters. Today's destination is Danagyu (2300 m).

The trail continues through pine and rhododendron forests with spectacular view of Manaslu. The lower route is faster, but is not as scenic as the higher route. We continue to follow the river and reach Chame (2670 m). This village is famous for its hot springs – perfect for soothing our aching limbs! The village of Chame is the district headquarters of the Manang district.

A steep climb up through a desert-like landscape takes us to Ghyaru (3673m). Following along the ridge we have a magnificent view of Pisang, Annapurna and Chulu and avalanches can be seen. After Ghyaru we reach Ngwal from where the trail drops down to the river. The trail now continues to Braga, a very old and traditional village with a historical monastery.
(For adventurous trekkers an extra day can be added to the itinerary here. One night can be spent in Braga with a 6 hour trip to Ice Lake for panoramic mountain views. This is strenuous trek and there is no teahouse along the route so a packed lunch is necessary.)
From Braga the trail continues for half an hour to reach Manang (3540m).

There is a Manang day hike those who want to do an easy hike for acclimatization in Manang. We take a side trip to Gangapurna Glacier and hike around the crystal clear lake. We can then visit Bhraka Gompa; here the lama sometimes conducts a puja for trekkers for a safe crossing of the Thorung La pass. At 03.00pm we visit the HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association) for a lecture on how to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness and to take appropriate action.

Today we climb up to Phedi (4450 m) at the foot of the Thorung La pass. If we are lucky we will spot a herd of blue sheep. In the afternoon, we stroll to a higher altitude and return to stay in Thorong Phedi for acclimatization. After an early supper we retire to our sleeping bags – full of anticipation for the next day.

We have an early rise at 04.30am. After 4 breathtaking hours we reach the Thorung La pass (5416 m), one of the worlds highest passes. It is an exhilarating moment! We then start our steep descent to Muktinath (3800m) which is a pilgrimage centre for Buddhists as well as Hindus.

Muktinath is a pilgrimage site for Hindus & Buddhist – we can visit the Buddhist gompa and the Vishnu temple of Jwala Mayi. Many pilgrims make a pilgrimage to Muktinath, especially in spring season. From here, mountains such as Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peach, etc can be seen. The trail is downhill all the way, passing through the traditional village of Jharkot. We then reach Kagbeni (2895m), a Tibetan-influenced settlement surrounded by a patchwork of fields and fruit trees.

The trail follows the Kali Gandaki river bed. It is a relatively easy walk. However, after 10:00am serious winds blow from the north making the hike difficult at times. Marpha (2670m) is a very traditional and fascinating Thakali village which is known as the kingdom of apples. Marpha is famous for its apple brandy and apple pie. In the afternoon we can visit an old Tibetan monastery,

After Kalopani we walk downhill through pine forests by the Kali Gandaki River until we reach Ghasa (2530m). We now leave the Mustang district and enter Myagdi district. We walk along the deepest gorge in the world. On the way to Tatopani we stop at Rupse Chahare, the gorgeous waterfall. Tatopani (1190m) is on the west bank of the Kali Gandaki river and is reached after 6 hours. Tatopani means ‘hot water’ and once again we may sooth our aching limbs in the hot springs. Today's trail downhill all the way to Tatopani.

After crossing the bridge in Tatopani, we continue to climb steeply uphill until we reach Ghara. We now see tropical vegetation along the way. Rhododendron and Magnolia forests give way to the terraced fields of Shika (1935m).

From Shika to Ghorepani (2855m) we pass through several small villages on our way up to Chitre. After Chitre we pass through Rhododendron and Oak forests on our way to Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a beautiful village settlement of the Pun ethnic group.

in the early morning, a steep hike leads to Poon Hill for sunrise. Poon Hill is famous for its 360 degree panoramic mountain view. Afterwards, we descend back to the hotel. After breakfast, a gradual downhill hike leads to Banthanti through Rhododendron and Oak forests. From Ulleri to Hille (1430m) the trail drops steeply down. Today we leave the mountains behind us with an downhill hike to Nayapul (1070m) via the village of Birethanti. A one and half hour taxi from Nayapul drive takes a us back to the relaxing Lakeside of Pokhara.

However, during high season one room per two clients may not be always available. If this should happen we request our clients to be flexible and share a triple or room with four beds. Annapurna Park entry and TIMS fees, staff insurance, transport to and from the trailhead, two nights' accommodation pre and post the trek and a complimentary massage after the trek from Seeing Hands, a blind organization. (proud to introduce one of our product) and can supply 75 liters backpack for the main trekking stuff, light crampons, gaiters and trekking map.

Breathtakingly beautiful, One of the top ten treks in the world, doesn't disappoint! The Thorong La pass at 5,400 meters is among the most challenging and rewarding in Nepal.
The two or three week trek encircling the Annapurna Range passes through country inhabited by different ethnic groups and offers
spectacular mountain scenery. Starting in the tropical Pokhara Valley, you climb from lush lowland forest to the arid valley of Manang.
The high pass of Thorong La at 5,400m offers a breathtaking view of the entire mountain range. On either side of the pass are fascinating
Tibetan villages built almost entirely of stone. The trail descends to the Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage site at Muktinath joining up with
the Jomsom trek. Due to the high altitude pass the best time for this trek is October to November and April to May.
This trek is considered to be quite strenuous. However, if you allow yourself enough time the circuit is suitable for the moderately fit.

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3Sisters Adventure Trekking where for 25 years, we have pioneered and specialized in training and employing female guides and assistants for treks in and around the Himalayas in Nepal, India, and Bhutan. With this groundbreaking approach, we have empowered the women in Nepal to develop their talents and become self-reliant.